A follow-up round of testing by the City of Newcastle resulted in a finding of no elevated lead or copper levels in the City’s source water or distribution system.
In a release from the City Manager’s office, the City states that they were mandated by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality to undergo additional testing. They did so as a commitment to providing clear and timely information to the public.
The independent testing facility hired by the City sampled at two entry points to the distribution system. The first source was from the City of Oklahoma City connection at Newcastle, and the second source was at the Newcastle Water Treatment Facility where the City collects and treats groundwater. Additionally, the water was sampled at three locations within the distribution system. All tests came back within the typical allowable ranges for pH, alkalinity, lead and copper.
WATER: All distribution water within allowable
City Manager Kevin Self said, “There has been no indication of elevated lead levels at the City’s water treatment facility, source water, or distribution system.”
According to the tests, here’s what the results mean: Results indicate that lead and copper were not elevated in source water prior to entering the distribution system and that water quality parameters remain within expected operating ranges that support corrosion control. Because lead and copper primarily enter drinking water through household plumbing materials or service lines, results may vary at individual locations.
The City states that lead is rarely found in treated source water. They said customers can reduce potential exposure by flushing their taps after periods of nonuse, using cold water for consumption, cleaning faucet aerators, and using certified water filters when appropriate.
